Frank Ocean Ft. Diplo, Mick Jones & Paul Simonon – “Hero”

Staying true to his nature, the most news Frank Ocean’s made in the past year has been two features on The Carter Administration’s “surprise” albums and Odd brother Earl Sweatshirt’s Doris. And a Chipotle lawsuit.

So it’s great to shake the cobwebs out Monday morning to the tune of new music from Frankie Baby. “Hero” also features Diplo, as well as Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash, and marks the latest addition to Converse’s “Three Artists, One Song” series. The result of which Diplo had this to say:

The Clash were always teachers to me, even before I shared a studio with Paul and Mick. Their musical anarchy and constant attitude to disregard rules and forge their own path was inspirational to me. They meant death to genres, music and message above everything. Frank lives by the same creed in being married to his vision and seeing it through at any cost. We had to challenge each other to make something that we hope no one could expect and Converse valued everyone’s artistic freedom to let us shine throughout the past few months to make this thing happen.

The folksy (and soulful) number compliments Frank’s throwback style and voice effortlessly. And I’m pretty sure I’m speaking for all fans of Ocean when I say this. Hopefully, “Hero” is the start of a wave of new music that result’s in his long-awaited follow-up to 2012’s Channel Orange.

Also Diplo has been steadily going waaaaaay downhill as Mad Decent has gotten bigger. I hate to be *that guy* but all he does is gimmick superstar remixes and I don’t think I’ve liked anything on MD since the first Major Lazer.